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Bicycling, Micromobility, Notable Products, Electric Mobility Danny Stillion Bicycling, Micromobility, Notable Products, Electric Mobility Danny Stillion

Bonnell 775 MX: Best of Both Worlds

In a world where the lines between bikes and motorbikes keep getting blurrier, the Bonnell 775 MX draws a bold one and then blazes right over it. Designed for riders who want to pedal when they feel like it and rip like a dirt bike when they don't, the 775 MX isn’t just a crossover; it’s a category disruptor.

In a world where the lines between bikes and motorbikes keep getting blurrier, the Bonnell 775 MX draws a bold one and then blazes right over it. Designed for riders who want to pedal when they feel like it and rip like a dirt bike when they don't, the 775 MX isn’t just a crossover; it’s a category disruptor.

Bonnell blends categories with the 775 MX.

 

First Impressions: This Thing Means Business

At first glance, the 775 MX looks like the love child of a World Cup downhill rig and a 125cc motocrosser. Long-travel suspension. Beefy frame. Aggressive geometry. But peek closer and you’ll spot the smart integration of lightweight battery tech, a whisper-quiet mid-drive motor, and a pedal-assist system that doesn’t fight you when the climb gets stupid.

This is not an eMTB pretending to be something it's not. The 775 MX is unapologetically hybrid—a purpose-built machine for people who want to hit gaps, shred loam, and still make it to the top without a chairlift.

Ride along with Electric Cycle Rider to see how it performs on single-track and trail roads in Colorado. You can tell from Tucker Neary, founder of Electric Cycle Rider’s enthusiasm, that Bonnell is on to something special with the 775 MX.

Tucker Neary from Electric Cycle Rider makes a compelling case for the 775 MX while enthusiastically riding a variety of Colorado trails.

 

Ride Feel: Float Like a DH Bike, Punch Like a Moto

Thanks to its progressive linkage and 190mm of rear travel, the 775 MX soaks up hits like it was born on the Fort William track. Pair that with a custom-tuned inverted fork (yes, inverted) and you’ve got a front end that stays glued at speed without feeling dead in tight turns.

However, it stands out when you flick the thumb throttle or engage full pedal-assist. The torque delivery is immediate yet smooth, allowing you to pop out of berms with moto-like acceleration. And at just under 50 lbs, it’s lighter than most full-on e-motos, which means you can whip it in the air and thread it through technical terrain without worrying.

With a maximum output power similar to that of the Surron LightBee and pedal assist, the 775 MX is well-equipped to tackle a variety of vertical terrains and cover ground quickly.

 

Climbing: Yes, You Can Do It

Don’t let the DH build fool you—climbing on the 775 MX is shockingly reasonable. The powertrain offers three modes:

  • Eco: For long days and battery-sipping

  • Trail: Punchy but controlled

  • Boost: Full-send power when you’re trying to clear a fire road climb like it’s a sprint stage.

The anti-squat kinematics help too. It’s not XC efficient, but it's way better than any DH bike you've ever tried to "spin up" a hill. And with regenerative braking on descents, you recover a bit of juice for the next push.

Blending the best of downhill mountain biking and electric moto, the Bonnell 775 MX suspension setup is equipped to handle serious downhill action while the powertrain supports effective shuttling.

 

Build & Components: Moto Meets MTB in the Details

  • Frame: 6061 hydroformed alloy with internal cable routing and removable motor cradle

  • Suspension: 200mm inverted fork / 190mm rear coil-over with custom valving

  • Drive Unit: 600W mid-drive motor, 85Nm torque, throttle + pedal assist

  • Battery: 720Wh integrated, removable for charging

  • Brakes: 4-piston hydraulic with 220mm rotors

  • Wheels: 27.5” DH-rated hoops with tubeless Maxxis Minion rubber

  • Drivetrain: 7-speed e-MTB specific with steel-caged derailleur for impact protection

Everything feels intentional—this isn’t a parts bin build. It’s tight, clean, and built to withstand punishment.

The Suntour TriAir 3CR shock on the Bonnell 775 MX features a Trunnion mount and a custom compression tune tailored specifically for this bike. It offers a three-position compression lever, rebound adjustment, and an adjustable air spring—making mid-ride tuning quick and intuitive. Whether you're dialing it in for your weight or trail conditions, the TriAir 3CR gives you the flexibility to adapt on the go.

 

Who’s It For?

If you:

  • Love park days, but live too far from the lift

  • Used to ride moto and miss that two-wheeled punch

  • Want a single bike that can climb, descend, and jump like it stole something

…the 775 MX is your new best friend.

It’s not for everyone. It’s overkill for flow trails. Too powerful to fit into some MTB-only trail networks. And if you’re not comfortable charging steep lines, it might be more bike than you need. But if you’re a gravity junkie with a thirst for range and a slight addiction to torque, this thing delivers grins by the truckload.

Final Verdict: A Rowdy Revolution

The Bonnell 775 MX isn’t trying to fit into a box—it’s burning the box and launching off it. It’s a machine built for the rider who wants full-send capability with the option to chill on the climbs. It’s as capable as it is fun, and it might just be the future of backcountry freeride.

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